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So near, yet so far. That has been the story for England so far in the 2017-18 Magellan Ashes series. And the urn is on the line ahead of the 3rd Test against Australia.

In an ideal world, England could have been 1-1 but such is their inability to take advantage of Australia’s shortcomings that they find themselves 2-0 down going into the 3rd Test at the WACA in Perth starting from Thursday, December 14.

With the urn still alive, England must set their house in order as a defeat will not just end their chances but also hurtle them towards a possible whitewash. Will the hosts continue to press further, or can the visitors find a way past their problems?

Match Preview

In both the Tests, Australia came close to relinquishing their grip. If it was Steven Smith with his superlative innings at the Gabba, it was the pace battery on the final day at Adelaide that won them the contests.

The victories mask the problem areas of Australia who are still searching for meaningful starts at the top and some resilience from their middle-order. They are still so Smith-reliant that the captain is almost always burdened with the task of scoring runs.

There are no such problems with the bowling, though, as all four have shown great form through the series. Such is their dominance that all four Aussie bowlers figure in the top-five wicket takers of the series with just James Anderson separating them.

It is a tribute to England’s resilience that they had their moments at both Brisbane and Adelaide to push for a win. It is a mark of their struggles that they not just squandered them, but also gifted wins to the Aussies on a platter.

Joe Root and Trevor Bayliss will be worried about the fact that the tourists are feeling the heat, both on and off the field. Cricket-wise, a lack of runs from Alastair Cook and the top order is a huge worry with Root looking clueless.

Credit due to Root, though, for the way he strategised and executed the bowling and fielding plans. If only his batsmen have responded, England wouldn’t have been in such a massive hole about the size of London.

Line-ups

Australia have recalled all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who could slot into the side in the place of struggling Peter Handscomb.

England may field the same team; not because there is no need to change, but because there are no credible alternatives.

Stats

The iconic WACA stadium is on its last leg as it gets ready to host an Ashes Test for the final time before moving to a swanky new stadium. Known for its pace and bounce, Perth has not been a happy hunting ground for Australia in the recent past with just one win in the last four matches (D1, L2).

However, England have no happy memories of the ground either with their only win coming way back in 1978. Barring that, they are winless in 12 encounters (D3, L9) including losing on all their last seven visits.

Predictions and Tips

England are still not out of the series and if they play consistent cricket, a win is not beyond them. But, that exactly is their challenge which means backing Australia to win, looks the best option at $1.53 (William Hill).

Mitchell Starc should enjoy the conditions here and his presence could remind the visitors of a certain Mitchell Johnson. Back the left-arm seamer to pick up over 2.5 wickets in the first innings at odds of $1.72 (Ladbrokes).

Back Root to be the best batsman for the visitors at odds of $4.00 (Ladbrokes).